I beg you to reconsider and do more research.  The Lap Band is the worst of the four surgeries you could get.  In fact - with your stats (5'5" and 334 lbs) I would question a doctor that would recommend a Lap Band to you.

You need a better surgery to save your life.  Look into a VSG or DS.  Go look at the failure rate with Lap Band.  Keep researching.  I'm not kidding.

 Thank you so much. I just went to my primary care dr today and she put a referral so I have to wait :(

I have cigna. All I have found and been told by them is the info on the website. 6 Months (June, July, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov 1st should do right?) and the other requirements. Doesnt seem too bad and in reality my surgeon requires more than that. I am wondering now if I am reqindg it wrong as it seems cut and dry to me.

 Congratulations!  That's really fast.  I still have a couple of hoops to jump through.

I am a federal employee w/ Aetna.  Currentlly we are doing battle because like Eliza I have not had a consistent 35 or greater BMI for two years (of course, I've had co-morbidities for more like SIX years, but that doesn't seem to impress them). 

As far as the pre-op requirements, I did 3 visits each w/ a psychologist and a nutritionist.  Then, it was a 3 month supervised weight loss program with the surgeon himself.  After that, we submitted the paperwork.  It sounds like you would not have the BMI problems I am having, and w/ your hypertension history I'd think you have a good chance to getting Aetna's blessing the first time through.  However, they still may insist on the 3-month doctor supervised weight loss.  If you start it now, or even the first of August, you might be able to squeeze in by year's end -- depending of course on your surgeon's schedule. 

Good luck!